Korean and Iranian national teams play in a 2018 Russian World Cup qualifying game in front of cheering Korean soccer fans better known as "Red Devils," at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday. The game attracted 63,124 spectators. / Yonhap

Taegeuk Warriors' complaints raise fans' eyebrows

By Kang Hyun-kyung

Soccer fans were furious on Friday as some national team players blamed the stadium turf and loud crowds as distractions after Korea's frustrating 0-0 draw against Iran on Thursday.

Korea's entry to the 2018 Russian World Cup hinges on the Uzbekistan game on Sep. 5.

After the Iran match, Son Heung-min blamed the stadium turf for having negatively affected his performance.

"I was upset because of the grass," he said. "If there's anyone who thinks that we can play well on a soccer field like this, he or she must be very optimistic. People who have played or are familiar with soccer would know how important the grass condition is for the players." Son said he was unhappy about the condition of the grass even before the game.

His remarks caused a stir, with internet user "Jake" saying, "Iranian players also played on the same soccer field. But they didn't complain about the grass there. I wonder why you blamed the stadium turf after the game."

Internet user "Going Home" was more straightforward. He said the national team failed to secure a ticket for the World Cup during the match, not because of the grass but because of incompetence.

Captain Kim Young-gwon's inappropriate remarks further fanned criticism of the players. After the game, he said cheering soccer fans were a distraction for the players and he and his teammates were unable to fully focus.

"We, players, were unable to make ourselves understood during the game because the spectators were so loud," he said. "I raised my voice and even shouted in order to communicate with my teammates about the strategy we had discussed before the match, but I couldn't hear clearly what they said."

Korea's qualifying game against Iran drew 63,124 spectators.

Kim's remarks about the spectators brought a furious reaction. Internet user "Sweetie Perfume" wrote, "Is he saying that soccer fans are not supposed to cheer for the players? He drives me crazy."

Another internet user wrote, "Do you think that such famous players as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have no eardrums?" He raised the point that fans are there for the players and therefore players should not complain about the spectators.

After his remarks, Kim has become the most searched person on Korea's largest internet portal Naver.

Before the game, Korean fans had expected their team to beat Iran. Korea appeared to have every reason to win. Korea is an eighth-time qualifier for the World Cup. The national team was rebuilt after manager Shin Tae-yong took the helm after Uli Stielike was sacked on June 15 following Korea's crushing defeat against Qatar in the qualifier.

Iran had already secured a ticket for the Russian World Cup and thus was not as desperate as Korea. The qualifying game against Iran was also held at home.

But the Iran match only showed that overhauling the Korean team has not made a difference. Since 2012, Korea has failed to score in five games against Iran. Korea's draw on Thursday has deeply disappointed soccer fans.

Korea's fate hinges on the Uzbekistan match. If Korea wins, it will qualify for the 2018 Russian World Cup. If the teams draw, Korea's fate will be determined by the Iran-Syria game. If Iran wins, Korea will qualify.